An APRIL Adventure in Autism: 2008 (8/8) Time to Say Good-Bye....

[All7OfUs]

Hi Kathy,

What a lovely story about Billy and the Capt. Almost made me sniffle a little

I think I mentioned I have an 11 yr. old son with what we think is Aspergers, and to get a lightbulb moment is such a treat. So I can totally relate! When he is stimming and arm-flapping in a restaurant my other kids get a bit impatient too.

The party sounds absolutely wonderful- and you've only just begun. I'm completely curious now as to the "miscalculation" coming up later.

 

[Heluvsme]

Wow, I think we're all just celebrating right along with you!!
That is really, really cool what he did, and really, really cool that Disney is just magical enough that Billy felt at ease enough to engage with him!! Awesome!!

My son's first words, and we weren't sure he'd ever even have words, came while in line for Winnie The Pooh. Disney certainly IS magical!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I am several updates behind, Kathy, so I am going to post separate replies for each of them so I don't forget what I wanted to say.

That's hysterically funny that Ed saw the security guard again -- she certainly seems to have been demoted if she is putting on party bracelets these days!

As far as the two kids playing with swords in the line -- I know what you mean about parents not controlling their children. Yesterday we were at the dentist and one kid was chucking a Tech Deck across the room repeatedly while his mother chatted away on her cell phone. I don't understand how some people can be so oblivious to their children's behavior. It is somewhat easier being the teacher in charge because then you are the authority figure and you don't have to worry about stepping on another parent's toes.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I guess I was only two updates behind.

What a wonderful interaction with Jack and what a wonderful moment with Billy! I bet it was the highlight of your evening!!!

 

[KathyRN137]

...I think I mentioned I have an 11 yr. old son with what we think is Aspergers, and to get a lightbulb moment is such a treat. So I can totally relate! When he is stimming and arm-flapping in a restaurant my other kids get a bit impatient too.

I agree, it can be so hard on the siblings... especially when they reach that ever-self-concious teen stage!

My son's first words, and we weren't sure he'd ever even have words, came while in line for Winnie The Pooh. Disney certainly IS magical!!

Thats truly wonderful! When Disney asks, "What are you celebrating?" I always think, "I'm celebrating the way WDW can bring out the best in all of us! (Especially Billy!)

That's hysterically funny that Ed saw the security guard again -- she certainly seems to have been demoted if she is putting on party bracelets these days!

I think that's why he wanted the picture!

What a wonderful interaction with Jack and what a wonderful moment with Billy! I bet it was the highlight of your evening!!!

One of the best "Adventures" for me, that's for sure!!

Kathy

 

[Hedy]

So awesome for Billy!

 

[thegreggersmom]

The Billy and Jack moment gave me goosebumps. Wonderful, just wonderful!

 

[tiggerbell]

You really love to make me cry at work, don't you?

 

[jcc0621]

WTG Capt. Jack!

 

[KathyRN137]

So awesome for Billy!

...and for Mom!!

The Billy and Jack moment gave me goosebumps. Wonderful, just wonderful!

Thanks!

You really love to make me cry at work, don't you?

Sorry Jaime!

WTG Capt. Jack!

He done good!


Kathy

 

[Dreamer & Wisher]

I really enjoyed your pictures and descriptions of the Capt. Jack Meet and Greet.

All of that atmosphere really helped set the tone and what a wonderful pay off you got for waiting!

Is there anything you do in line to help Billy with the waiting?

Thanks for sharing such a great story. Do you think Capt. Jack will be at the Halloween Party?

 

[KathyRN137]

Thanks for sharing such a great story. Do you think Capt. Jack will be at the Halloween Party?

No word on Captain Jack.... but Captain Hook will be there! See below:

Villian's Mix & Mingle - Jafar, Malificent, Cruela DeVille, The Wicked Queen, Captain Hook, The Queen of Hearts, and Judge Claude Frollo take center stage in a Halloween production. After the show, they come down to pose for pictures. 7:45, 9:00, 10;05 and 11:15 p.m.


Character Meet & Greets:

* MANY Villains at Castle Forecourt
* Mickey at Mickey's House
* Donald at Donald's Boat
* Goofy at Barnstormer
* Daisy, Minnie, Pluto, Chip, Dale, Tigger, Pooh, Cinderella, Aurora, Snow White, Belle at Toontown Town Hall gift shop
* Little Einsteins at Toontown Train station
* Aladdin & Jasmine at Magic Carpets of Aladdin
* Peter Pan and Wendy at Pirates of the Carribbean
* Ariel at Ariel's Grotto
* 7 Dwarfs across from Mrs. Potts' Cupboard
* Eeyore & Piglet at Pooh's Playful Spot
* Goliath the Gargoyle behind Cinderella Castle
* Tweedledee & Tweedledum at Mad Tea Party
* Br'er Bear & Br'er Rabbit at Big Thunder Mountain
* Woody & Jessie at Diamond Horseshoe Saloon
* Merlin at Storytime w/ Belle Theater
* Buzz Lightyear at Timekeeper
* Stitch at Cosmic Ray's
* Terk, Tarzan, Baloo, Rafiki, King Louie at Adventureland Treat Trail
* Alice, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, Mr. Walrus, White Rabbit at Alice & Mad Hatter's Treat Trail


Kathy

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Aww..I'm all squishy inside! What a great moment.......totally worth the wait. And I love the pics of you and the Captain. I can tell you were having a blast!

Great update!

 

[Halloweenqueen]

No word on Captain Jack.... but Captain Hook will be there! See below:

Villian's Mix & Mingle - Jafar, Malificent, Cruela DeVille, The Wicked Queen, Captain Hook, The Queen of Hearts, and Judge Claude Frollo take center stage in a Halloween production. After the show, they come down to pose for pictures. 7:45, 9:00, 10;05 and 11:15 p.m.


Character Meet & Greets:

* MANY Villains at Castle Forecourt
* Mickey at Mickey's House
* Donald at Donald's Boat
* Goofy at Barnstormer
* Daisy, Minnie, Pluto, Chip, Dale, Tigger, Pooh, Cinderella, Aurora, Snow White, Belle at Toontown Town Hall gift shop
* Little Einsteins at Toontown Train station
* Aladdin & Jasmine at Magic Carpets of Aladdin
* Peter Pan and Wendy at Pirates of the Carribbean
* Ariel at Ariel's Grotto
* 7 Dwarfs across from Mrs. Potts' Cupboard
* Eeyore & Piglet at Pooh's Playful Spot
* Goliath the Gargoyle behind Cinderella Castle
* Tweedledee & Tweedledum at Mad Tea Party
* Br'er Bear & Br'er Rabbit at Big Thunder Mountain
* Woody & Jessie at Diamond Horseshoe Saloon
* Merlin at Storytime w/ Belle Theater
* Buzz Lightyear at Timekeeper
* Stitch at Cosmic Ray's
* Terk, Tarzan, Baloo, Rafiki, King Louie at Adventureland Treat Trail
* Alice, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, Mr. Walrus, White Rabbit at Alice & Mad Hatter's Treat Trail


Kathy

We only saw Jack (and Barbossa!) during the Boo to You parade. No character interaction.


Many characters come to the dance party. I know the Queen of Hearts and Stitch were at the dance party in Fantasyland while we were there.

 

[KathyRN137]

Aww..I'm all squishy inside! What a great moment.......totally worth the wait. And I love the pics of you and the Captain. I can tell you were having a blast!

He was hysterically funny... and yet he kept a straight face the entire time!!!

We only saw Jack (and Barbossa!) during the Boo to You parade. No character interaction.


Many characters come to the dance party. I know the Queen of Hearts and Stitch were at the dance party in Fantasyland while we were there.

I'm talking about characters right now over on my PTR...

I really want to meet some of the Villans like the Wicked Queen from Snow White, Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty, and Cruella DeVille from 101 Dalmations!! It must be so much fun to play the bad guys!!




Kathy

 

[mrsksomeday]

The Captain continued bantering with us in his perpetually droll manner. “And you, lad,” he said to Billy, “I see you’re sporting the skull and crossbones... are you by any chance a pirate?”

Billy shocked us all by turning to the Captain and throwing his fist up in the air as if holding an imaginary sword.

“AAAARRRGGHHH!!!” he shouted. “Pirate says, Aaarrgghh!!”


Well, that was it. It was all over for me.


How amazing... that this incredibly talented cast member could make such an instant connection with my autistic son, who just minutes before had been in his own little world, singing to himself and pacing about the room distractedly. He was able to grab his attention and elicit a completely appropriate response to his question... and we hadn’t even had the chance to let him know that Billy was autistic. It was truly a magical moment! I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry!

You always make me cry . That is so touching and magical. That was fantastic!!

 

[chicagoshannon]

What a wonderful experience for you guys! I bet that reaction from Billy was worth the price of admission in and of itself!

 

[KathyRN137]

You always make me cry . That is so touching and magical. That was fantastic!!

What a wonderful experience for you guys! I bet that reaction from Billy was worth the price of admission in and of itself!

It's just not enough to say that Disney is "accessible" or "accommodating" for those with special needs. Of course, that's one of the reasons we love to vacation there....

But there are always these little unexpected moments of pure magic that make it our most favorite place in the whole world!!

(Of course, I don't really need to tell that to all of you!)


Kathy

 

[jordanyosh]

I love this pic. You said your daughter is growing up and sights like that will become more and more infrequent......ahhhh childhood

 

[jordanyosh]

I'm still giggling...

The man then offered to take a picture of our family, which was very nice. Look! He even got me wearing the hat!!

I love that u did this and the family looks soo happy.